Administration Announces Faculty and Staff Hiring Freeze Through 2025 Fiscal Year
Briana Bindus
University of Pittsburgh leaders announced a full faculty and staff hiring freeze through the rest
of the 2025 fiscal year, with a possible extension into the 2026 fiscal year. The freeze was
announced to Pitt faculty and staff through an email signed by Joseph McCarthy, provost and
senior vice chancellor; Dwayne Pinkney, executive senior vice chancellor for administration and
finance chief financial officer, and Anantha Shekhar, senior vice chancellor for the health
sciences. Many other universities such as Harvard and University of Pennsylvania have
imposed hiring freezes as well, some citing the Trump administration and concerns over
potential cuts in federal funding. Pitt leaders say exceptions may be considered for critical roles.
Pitt’s Shift to PPG Paints Arena for Commencement Sparks Mixed Reactions
PPG Paints Arena
In mid-February, University of Pittsburgh announced that the 2025 spring commencement
ceremony will be moved from the Petersen Events Center to PPG Paints Arena. The University
announced that this change is meant to “ensure every student can participate and receive an
appropriate number of tickets for their family and friends”. As many graduates and their families
have already made travel arrangements, this decision has prompted both excitement and
concern from students over the logistics of transportation.
‘H2PinskyBudike’ Ticket Wins 2025 SGB Election
Carrington Bryan
The Student Government Board election took place on March 11 from 8 am to 8 pm. All
undergraduate Pitt students were eligible to vote for president, vice president, and board
member positions. Marley Pinsky and Olivia Budike of the “H2PinskyBudike” ticket were elected
president and vice president. SGB had the highest turnout of voters in three years with 3700
ballots submitted.